Frankenstein: Scientific Discovery and the Role of Knowledge

One of the major themes in Frankenstein is about the scientific discovery and role of knowledge. The monster is often interpreted as a warning against the pursuit of knowledge and as a demonstration of its dangers.

In the early chapter, when Robert mentioned about his discovery and journey, Victor’s responded in a negative way towards it. Walton, discussing his journey and talked about “with all the favor that warmed me, how gladly I would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my every hope, to the furtherance of my enterprise. One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought”. This statement exemplifies the pursuit of knowledge, and similarities can be seen between Walton and the younger Victor’s enthusiasm towards their discoveries. When Victor talked about his early life and his project on creating life, Frankenstein mentions how he “was engaged, heart in soul, in the pursuit of some discoveries which I hoped to make. None but those who have experienced them can conceive of the enticements of science”. When he listens to walton’s story, Frankenstein immediately snapped in a horror when he said “Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught? In this quote, Victor refers to the role of knowledge and one can clearly finds the detestation in his tone towards the pursuit of knowledge, Furthermore, it reinforced when he compares himself to Walton, saying “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been”. He is revealing that his thirst for knowledge unfortunately ruined his life and killed most of his family members and hence, the reader can relate scientific discovery with agony and danger. Even before the story has began, The writer gives a message of warning in regards to the dangers of knowledge.

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